Canadian building permits

Canadian building permits rose 1.7 per cent in September to $6.5 billion, following a 20 per cent decline in August.  The modest increase in building permits was led by the residential sector, primarily in Alberta and Quebec. 

Construction intentions in BC declined 6 per cent in September from August and were nearly 19 per cent lower year-over-year. The value of residential permits were 14.1 per cent lower in September and 6 per cent lower year-over-year.  The total number of residential units permitted in September fell 29 per cent from August due to a sharp decline in permits for multiple units. The value of non-residential permits rose 10.3 per in September.  

Building permit activity across BC's four major census metropolitan areas (CMA) was mostly lower in September. In the Abbotsford-Mission CMA, permits rose 15.2 per cent on a monthly basis but were 61.7 per cent lower year-over-year. Construction intentions in the Victoria CMA declined for the second consecutive month, falling 2.5 per cent from August and 31.4 per cent year-over-year. In the Kelowna CMA, permits fell 52.8 per cent after posting a 70 per cent increase in August.  Finally, in the Vancouver CMA  building permits declined 11.3 per cent month-over-month and 29.2 per cent year-over-year.